Map Reading Skills and Navigation in the Countryside.

A two-day hands-on course, based in the Peak District, West Pennine Moors or Lakes. This will equip you to navigate with the skills to plan walks and safely navigate paths and tracks. We will look at how maps help us relate to the land around us, so we know where we are and visualise what’s ahead so we don’t get lost. I will spend time assessing your ability so that you feel confident at the end of the course.

Your instructor knows the area and its history intimately and is qualified to train Navigation, Hill and Mountain Walking skills. He is a first aider and has full cover and checks to train adults and children.

What you’ll do;

We’ll cover the key aspects of map reading – setting, contours and scale – and basic use of the compass so that you can confidently plot our way around open countryside. On the second day you will plan and follow your own route, with your instructor making sure you are confident and safe.

What you’ll learn;

Planning a safe route and finding our way if we get lost.

How long will our route take?

Map Symbols and using different maps

Understanding Contours.

How do we use a compass

Taking a bearing from the map & walking on it

Choose simple navigation strategies and routes.

Learn about Access and Countryside Codes.

What you’ll need;

Just your usual walking kit, I will provide a local map to use, free of charge, but you may want to invest in the full OS Map.

Kit list, including hints on maps and compass, will be sent in advance of your days out.

For 2018 I am running these course by request or special bookings. Please contact me if you would like any specific dates or look at my calendar to check out availability.